Heading to Clapham Common and fancy a cheeky pint or a fancy cocktail? You’re in luck! Just a stone’s throw from the Clapham Common Tube Station, you’ll find a buzzing scene of bars and pubs, each with its own unique charm. From rustic, cosy pubs perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon to trendy bars where the cocktails are as creative as the clientele, this area’s got it all. Whether you’re after a quiet spot to unwind or a lively venue to kick-start your night, Clapham’s got you covered. So, grab your mates, hop off at Clapham Common, and get ready to explore some of the best watering holes South London has to offer!
The Belle Vue
Address: 1 Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Belle Vue is situated in a prime location at 1 Clapham Common South Side. It’s in the heart of Clapham, close to public transportation and parks, making it easily accessible.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue offers a blend of traditional pub values with a modern twist. It’s known for its laid-back setting, cutesy interiors, and friendly staff. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, perfect for gatherings, and it hosts fantastic music on Friday and Saturday nights until 1 am.
What’s On Offer
- Diverse Menu Options: The Belle Vue is noted for its top pub menu that caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegan-friendly options. It is particularly famous for one of the best Sunday roasts in South London.
- Events and Entertainment: The venue regularly hosts events like pub quizzes on Tuesdays and offers unique deals like half a pint of beer & a chicken parmagiani on Thursdays. Additionally, it’s a great spot for watching sports, including international rugby events.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? From Monday to Thursday, it’s open from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the hours extend from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and on Sundays, it’s open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The Belle Vue offers a comfortable and engaging environment for a wide range of occasions, whether you’re looking for a casual meal, a fun night out, or a place to watch sports events. With its diverse menu, regular events, and prime location, it’s a notable destination in the Clapham area.
The King & Co
Address: 100 Clapham Park Road, London SW4 7BZ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The King & Co is situated away from the main area of Clapham Common, offering a more intimate and local feel. The venue is known for its attentive service and a diverse selection of drinks and quality food.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at The King & Co is described as cosy, eclectic, and relaxed. It’s a great place for a summer drink in their front garden or a cosy night in the local pub during winter. The pub features a rotating pop-up kitchen with some of the best street food Clapham has to offer, alongside regular acoustic nights in a warm and welcoming setting.
What’s On Offer
- Sunday Roast: The King & Co is renowned for its pub roast lunch, especially on Sundays. Guests can enjoy massive Yorkshire puddings, crispy roasties, and all the trimmings, with options to add extras like cauliflower cheese or pigs in blankets.
- Pop-up Kitchens: This venue is home to exciting pop-up culinary experiences, such as the Afuego pop-up by South London Chef Yassir, known for a range of guilty pleasure foods including burgers, tacos, chicken, cauliflower bites, and loaded fries.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 3pm – 11pm
- Thursday: 3pm – 11.30pm
- Friday to Saturday: 12pm – 12am
- Sunday: 12pm – 11pm
The King & Co offers a unique blend of quality food, diverse drinks, and a cosy atmosphere, making it a standout destination in Clapham.
The Railway Tavern
Address: 18 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UR
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Railway Tavern is conveniently located opposite Clapham North overground station, making it easily accessible and a great spot for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The Railway Tavern blends the best of British pub culture with its own unique character. It features stylish contemporary interiors alongside classic pub elements, with quirky touches like intriguing local artwork, statement lighting, and gorgeous wood flooring. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with an urban cool vibe. It offers an ideal setting for relaxed drinking and dining, characterised by a vibrant local spirit, great music, and events that add to the pub’s upbeat mood.
What’s On Offer
- Food and Drinks: The Railway Tavern offers a diverse menu that includes traditional pub grub with a modern twist, influenced by global cuisines. It serves fresh, daily-changing pub food, with brunch available on Saturdays. The drink selection includes award-winning cask beers and ales, craft beers, ciders, and a variety of wines and cocktails.
- Events and Entertainment: The venue hosts regular events like quiz nights, board game nights, comedy shows, and live music, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening. DJs play a mix of current pop and classic hits every Friday and Saturday night.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 23:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 00:00 AM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 01:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 23:00 PM
The Railway Tavern offers a perfect blend of traditional pub hospitality with a contemporary and eclectic twist, making it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy good food, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere in Clapham, London.
The Alexandra
Address: 14 Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Alexandra is positioned just seconds’ walk from Clapham Common tube station, offering excellent accessibility with robust bus routes, making it an ideal meeting place.
- What’s the Vibe? The Alexandra provides a traditional yet cool drinking environment. It features over 150 years of history and is known for its cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The interior boasts wooden elements, including exposed beams and barrels used as tables, which contribute to its rustic charm. The venue is recognised for its lively ambiance, particularly during live sports events and music nights.
What’s On Offer
- Darts Club: A standout feature of The Alexandra is its Darts Club. This area offers a unique experience where guests can enjoy classic cocktails, pizzas, and craft beers, all while engaging in games of darts. The Darts Club provides an engaging and social atmosphere, perfect for group outings.
- Live Sports and Music: The Alexandra is renowned for its live sports broadcasting. Equipped with two projectors and multiple HD screens, it’s a popular spot for watching a variety of sports, from football to rugby. Additionally, the venue regularly hosts live music events, adding to its vibrant and dynamic environment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Food service is available within the following hours:
- Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Alexandra in Clapham is a historic pub that offers a blend of traditional charm with modern amenities. Its location, coupled with a variety of entertainment options like darts and live sports, makes it a versatile venue for different occasions, from casual hangouts to vibrant nightlife experiences.
The Rookery
Address: 69 Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 9DA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Rookery is located close to Clapham South station.
- What’s the Vibe? The Rookery offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. It has been described as a quality outfit with a naturally welcoming vibe, distinct from the ‘self-consciousness’ of many trendy spots. The venue is known for its friendly staff, enhancing the overall enjoyable experience. A spiral staircase within the pub adds a unique architectural feature. It’s a great place for watching sports with outdoor TVs, creating a friendly atmosphere appreciated by both locals and staff.
What’s On Offer
- Food and Drink: The Rookery serves a range of British pub cuisine and is particularly known for its Sunday roast, with items like pork belly being praised. They have a diverse menu, including vegetarian options, and a notable selection of keg beers.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Tuesday: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Ready to Visit?
Clapham Common is a vibrant and eclectic area in South London, boasting a rich scene of bars and pubs, each offering a unique experience. From the Belle Vue’s blend of traditional and modern vibes, famous for its Sunday roasts and diverse menu, to The King & Co’s cozy ambiance with a pop-up kitchen featuring Latin street food, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a spot to unwind or a lively place to start your night, Clapham Common’s array of bars, including The Railway Tavern and The Alexandra, caters to all tastes. The Rookery stands out for its friendly atmosphere and British pub cuisine, making it a notable destination among the variety of options in this bustling area.
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Next time you’re in Clapham Common, why not try out one of these fabulous bars? Each offers a unique charm and a promise of a great time. Share this article with your friends and let them in on the secret spots of Clapham. And don’t forget, when you’ve visited, share your experience and leave a review – spread the word about the best spots in town!